Orlando is imagination and creativity at its best and our world-class entertainment, magic and laughter extend beyond our attractions and theme parks. The eclectic collection of theaters throughout the city draws on the extraordinary talent that brings magic and fantasy to life for millions of our theme park visitors every year.

There are dozens of show-stopping theater performances just waiting to be discovered in Orlando. As the 2013-2014 performance season begins, here's a spotlight on some of our favorite venues and upcoming shows:

This week, the Mad Cow Theater opens its second season in their new home on Church Street with Other Desert Cities from Pulitzer Prize-finalist Jon Robin Baitz.

The Tom Hurst photo wall at Mad Cow

The Orlando Shakespeare Theater, continues their 25th Anniversary Season with their hysterical twist on The Taming of the Shrew. Next up is the gothic thriller, Dracula: The Journal of Jonathan Harker opening October 9.

Fans of the cult classic, Mamma Mia! will enjoy this jukebox musical performance at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, October 3 -9. And, you won't want to miss the nine-time Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon, October 29 - November 10 (featuring a song about Orlando, no less!)

Cirque Du Soleil's La Nouba at Downtown Disney recently delivered its 7,000th performance. Since its debut in 1998, the show blends fantasy and reality with breathtaking acrobatics, moving live music, daring and extraordinary feats of imagination.

SAK Comedy Lab continues to volley roaring laughs and hilarious improv sketches on select nights from their downtown Orlando theater. Get ready for fun as the players take suggestions from the audience and create show-stopping scenes and songs as they go along.

Scale model of the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center opening 2014

Coming in 2014 is the grand opening of the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando. The $429 million arts center broke ground on its first phase in 2011, which includes the 2,700-seat Disney Theater, a 300-seat community theater and a banquet room.

The Red Chair Project offers a one-stop online source for the region's arts and culture experiences, along with dining and hotel packages, and a multi-museum discounted admission ticket called the Loch Haven Cultural Pass. This valuable resource is another great way to explore the best in theatrical arts that Orlando has to offer.